Natural Resources Minister Stephen Robertson said today that retrosepective legislation was being prepared for Parliament prohibiting the clearing of "endangered regrowth vegetation".

The ban affects both freehold and leasehold rural land but there is ongoing provision to clear land for urban development.

Under the legislation penalties will rise to a maximum of $166,000 for illegally clearing regrowth.

However, land covered by an existing certified Property Map of Assessable Vegetation (PMAV) or existing development approval is exempt, the Minister said.

Mr Robertson ruled out compensation for affected landholders saying there would be no loss in agricultural productivity as a result of the ban.

He was unable to say how landholders were affected.

Also prohibited will be the clearing of any native vegetation in riparian areas of the priority Mackay/Whitsunday, Wet Tropics and Burdekin Reef catchments.

The three month ban followed a controversial preference deal struck between the Bligh Government and the Greens during the recent state election campaign.

It has again seen relations between the state Labor Government and rural Queensland severely strained.

"The Government intends to move as quickly as possible after this period of consultation to finalise the longer term arrangements and provide the necessary certainty for landholders at rural industries," Mr Robertson said.

"I recommend that property owners check at the soonest possible time to identify the impact of the moratorium on their property.

"Clearing currently underway in these mapped areas should now cease, unless the landholder holds a valid certified Property Map Assessable Vegetation that maps the area as catergory X."

Mr Robertson also warned landholders he would be deploying the department's tree police.

"I have asked my department's compliance officers to actively monitor and investigate compliance with the moratium and won't hesitate to act if needed," Mr Robertson said.